The Basics
The Basics are one of Australia’s finest bands. They have just put out a new compilation CD called Ingredients of the bands music. They have a solid fan base and loved by the critics. So I ask Kris from the band a few questions.
1. What inspired you guys to put out a CD like this?
Well to be honest it wasn’t any inspiration that came from us – it was the brainchild of one of our ‘record company’ guys who saw how Wally’s Gotye fans were “crossing over” on their own, discovering his “other band’s” music. So it kind-of made sense to put something together that would make it easier for them, and easier for us to reach out to them!
2. Was it hard to choose the tracks for the CD?
Well, being that we didn’t put the CD together ourselves, a big fat YES. Actually it was a real pleasure having someone else do it, we’ve always been very much in control of our output, and you can definitely be “too close” to the material. So having someone else decide for us was a welcome relief.
3. Will you guys go on tour to promote the CD at some stage?
Maybe!
4. What has been the bands favorite show?
Well I can’t talk for the other two, but recording the live album was pretty damn special. We ended up releasing about half of that show, but on the night we played for over two hours and it was electric. The place was totally packed out, with more wanting in, and wires everywhere and microphones and we had a bunch of other guys helping us bring the stuff to life (keys, saxs, etc), so it was just magic. That it was a really satisfying experience and one of the last shows we played before this hiatus.
5. What has been the craziest thing done on tour?
Haha, not sure what you’re asking there… We had some pretty damn wild times touring Japan, I’ll tell you that much. Playing a 9pm show, then getting shipped over to another club to play at 1am, then rockin out with the locals till the sun came up. But if you’re talking crazzzyyy, then you’ll have to get me drunk sometime and ask me then…
6. What inspired the band when writing music?
Life is enough of an inspiration! There are some amazing things that happen in this world, and some really cruddy ones. So there’s plenty of inspiration all around you, you just need time to stop and digest. So it’s the quiet times, when you have a chance to reflect, that the music starts to make your bones tingle.
7. Who have you guys enjoyed playing with the most?
We did a show with Paul Kelly that was pretty magic – it was just him on guitar and he was such an interesting dude and a real gentleman. He even gave Tim a lift home after the show! (typical Tim move, though)
8. Will hear some new music from you guys any time soon?
Well you can hear some ‘new’ material on the companion to Ingredients – Leftovers. Actually there’s some really cool stuff on there. As for new-new material, well we’ll just have to wait and see… we’re all very busy you know!
9. If you could have any one in a music video who would it be?
Bill Murray… ‘cos he’s Bill-motherf@#$ing-Murray.
10. What is next for the band?
Deciding if and when this hiatus will lift! Still a few boxes to tick before The Basics come out of retirement…
